Mike Pence: “for a millennia, Israel was a dream; in 1948, it became a reality. But in recent days, the periphery of Gaza has become…”

“for a millennia, Israel was a dream; in 1948, it became a reality. But in recent days, the periphery of Gaza has become a nightmare for Israeli men, women and children. I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 34, a bipartisan measure which recognizes Israel's right to defend itself against attacks from Gaza and reaffirms the United States' strong support for our partner. Time is of the essence. This very morning Hamas continues to fire rockets into Israel despite the United Nations cease-fire resolution passed last night. Israel has a right and Israel has a duty to defend her people against the attacks of a terrorist group that victimizes the people of Gaza and Israelis on her borders. In the face of those evil acts no nation could tolerate, I commend Israel for working to minimize civilian casualties. But in these dire circumstances, America must stand with Israel. We must show the resolve of our relationship as peaceful democracies, and we must show the resolve of a relationship borne of the intimate and deepest held values of both of our people, for the history of Israel is a history of struggle. Over 60 years ago, the State of Israel, under the leadership of a small band of courageous Zionists, declared independence in its ancient homeland. It was promptly recognized by the United States, and it was promptly attacked by its Arab neighbors. The more things change, the more they seem to stay the same.”